The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for the 2024/25 National Basketball Association (NBA) season by bolstering their roster with a promising addition: Christian Koloko. On Tuesday, September 17 (Philippine Standard Time), the Lakers’ management confirmed the signing of the 24-year-old center to a two-way contract, while also waiving Blake Hinson to make room for Koloko on the team.
OFFICIAL: Lakers sign center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract. pic.twitter.com/VSISCe9JO0
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 16, 2024
This strategic move comes at a critical time for the Lakers, a team with a storied history and high expectations. With the 2024/25 season fast approaching, the Lakers are looking to add depth to their frontcourt, especially following a significant injury to Christian Wood. Koloko’s signing not only fills that void but also brings potential upside with his defensive prowess and shot-blocking ability.
Christian Koloko's road to the Lakers hasn’t been without its challenges. A major concern surrounding Koloko was his health, particularly the discovery of a blood clot issue that could have ended his career. After being waived by the Toronto Raptors in January 2024, Koloko was put into the NBA’s Fitness-to-Play panel, a process that ensures players are medically cleared before returning to the court.
The blood clot diagnosis raised alarms across the league, preventing teams from signing him until he was given the green light to play again. Fortunately, after months of uncertainty and rehabilitation, Koloko has been medically cleared, and the Lakers wasted no time in securing his signature. The Lakers’ front office was quick to act, realizing the value Koloko could bring to their roster, especially given their frontcourt needs.
Koloko was selected as the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. In his rookie season, Koloko showed glimpses of his potential, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and one block per game in 13.8 minutes of play across 58 appearances. While these numbers may not seem eye-popping, they reflect a young player with room to grow and develop into a more significant contributor.
During his time with the Raptors, Koloko gained a reputation for his defensive capabilities, particularly his shot-blocking and ability to alter shots in the paint. His 7’1” frame and 7’5” wingspan make him a formidable presence around the rim, something the Lakers are likely to capitalize on. While Koloko is still refining his offensive game, his potential to become a defensive anchor is what makes him an intriguing prospect for the Lakers.
The Lakers’ decision to sign Koloko is a direct response to their need for frontcourt depth, particularly after Christian Wood’s recent injury. Wood underwent surgery on his left knee for the second time this year, with reports suggesting he will be sidelined for at least eight weeks. This injury has left a void in the Lakers' rotation, especially in the center position.
Koloko’s signing helps address this issue, providing the Lakers with an affordable and versatile option to fill in while Wood recovers. The two-way contract is also a financially savvy move for the Lakers, as it allows them to stay below the league’s second apron, a critical consideration for teams looking to manage their salary cap efficiently.
Additionally, Koloko’s defensive abilities complement the Lakers’ current roster. With players like Anthony Davis anchoring the frontcourt, Koloko’s presence gives the Lakers more flexibility to rotate players in and out of the lineup, particularly during the regular season when managing minutes and avoiding injuries is crucial.
For those unfamiliar with the NBA’s two-way contract system, it allows teams to sign players who split their time between the NBA and the G League. Players on two-way contracts can spend up to 50 games with their NBA team, after which they are required to play the remainder of the season in the G League. In Koloko’s case, he will split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
The Lakers now have their three two-way players for the 2024/25 season: Christian Koloko, Colin Castleton, and Armel Traore. These players will have the opportunity to gain valuable NBA experience while also developing their skills in the G League. For Koloko, this setup provides him with a chance to earn more playing time and prove that he can be a long-term contributor at the NBA level.
With Koloko on board, the Lakers are looking to make a strong push in the upcoming season. After a somewhat disappointing end to their 2023/24 campaign, the team is eager to return to championship contention. LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain the cornerstones of the franchise, but the Lakers are well aware that they need contributions from their supporting cast to achieve their goals.
Koloko’s addition gives the Lakers more flexibility in their rotations, particularly in games where they need to rest their star players or deal with injuries. His defensive presence could also play a pivotal role in key matchups, especially against teams with dominant big men.
While Koloko may not be a household name yet, his potential is undeniable. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, he could become a valuable asset for the Lakers, not just as a two-way player but as a key contributor in the years to come.
Koloko’s immediate future will likely involve a mix of NBA and G League action, as the Lakers look to manage his development carefully. Given his health concerns and limited NBA experience, the Lakers may choose to ease him into their system, allowing him to gain confidence and refine his skills in the G League.
However, if Koloko can make the most of his opportunities during his 50 games with the Lakers, there’s a chance he could carve out a more significant role on the team. His shot-blocking ability and defensive versatility are traits that are always in demand in the NBA, and the Lakers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his progress throughout the season.
For Koloko, this is a chance to prove himself on one of the league’s most high-profile teams. The Lakers’ rich history and championship aspirations mean that every player on the roster is expected to contribute, and Koloko will be no exception.
The signing of Christian Koloko is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Lakers. While Koloko’s health concerns are something to monitor, his potential to become a defensive force in the NBA makes him a valuable addition to the team. As the Lakers prepare for the 2024/25 season, Koloko’s development will be one of the storylines to watch, especially as the team navigates a competitive Western Conference.
To stay updated on the latest NBA news and all things sports, sign up now with OKBet, Asia’s most trusted online sports gaming platform. Keep track of player signings, trades and more up-to-date reports from the world of sports.
